Sr. Manager, Technology

Classicwinesofcalifornia; Ceres (CA); On-site; USD 165,000 - 185,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Vision

Life and AD&D

401K

Paid time off

Job summary

Bronco Wine Company is seeking a Sr. Manager, Technology to lead cross‑functional teams, drive continuous improvement and production efficiency in our California cellar operations.

This exempt role focuses on safety, cost control, and delivering high-quality wine while maintaining strong engagement across teams. Based in Ceres, CA, this onsite position reports to the Chief Winemaking Officer and requires 7–10% travel.

Qualifications

• BS degree in science or technical fields.
• 5+ years of production management experience (exempt) plus 5 years in engineering, CAPEX and safety.
• Food & beverage or wine/spirits industry experience with 5+ years in large winery operations.
• Lean or Continuous Improvement training; practitioner/Green/Black Belt a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead annual cellar strategy, budget, capital planning and maintenance; partner with Cellar Managers and Finance on KPIs and reports.
• Provide safety leadership; be available off-hours for emergencies.
• Drive Production & Cellar Efficiency by eliminating wastes to streamline grape-to-bottle timelines.
• Identify improvement opportunities across Safety, People, Quality, Environment, Delivery and Cost; develop CI cost justifications.
• Mentor Cellar Managers and Supervisors on efficiency and process improvements.
• Collaborate with Winemaking to optimize processes for high-quality wines.
• Lead Cellar CAPEX efforts and prepare technical reports.
• Stay current on industry technology; attend trade shows as approved.
• Standardize cellar quality practices to reduce rejection rates, rework and spoilage.

Skills

Lean/CI mindset

Analytical thinking

Budget/P&L management

Cross-functional leadership

Bilingual (Spanish)

Education

BS degree in science or technical field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Sr. Manager, Technology

Full Time Clerical Ceres, CA, US

Salary Range: $165,000.00 To $185,000.00 Annually

About the job

The Role

This position will report to: (Chief Winemaking Officer)

Travel Requirements: Based on Business needs 7-10%

FLSA Status: Exempt

Shift:1

Employment Category: Full-Time Regular

Pay Range: $165,000.00 to $185,000.00

Onsite Position

Bronco Wine Company founded in 1973, our family-owned company strives to continue and improve upon being vertically integrated, from the vineyard to the table, focusing on crafting quality wines for every table. Our family’s resilience and sustained growth will continue to be fostered through stewardship of family, valued employees, respected partners, and future generations.

JOB STATEMENT:

The Senior Manager of Technology is a forward-thinking cross-functional leader with a continuous improvement mindset. This role practices Growth Mindset Thinking and is responsible for leading innovative ideas that continuously improve efficiency, quality, safety and cost. This critical role is a champion of Production Efficiencies, Innovation, Reliability and Safety. In addition, this role promotes and sustains a positive culture of engagement for all employees as well as supporting and empowering teams to improve people, products, processes and systems.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/DUTIES:

• Key contributor to annual Cellar Strategy, Budget, Capital Planning and Maintenance as applicable. Partners on building and tracking the cellar department's annual operating plan as well as KPIs. They also partner with Cellar Managers as well as Finance on gaps and risks and develops weekly/monthly performance reports relating to efficiency, cost and labor strategy.
• Partners with Environmental Health and Safety, Cellar Operations Managers and Maintenance in safety leadership. Provides consultation, support and technical expertise for actions on unsafe conditions. Available off-hours for emergencies if needed.
• Partners with Cellar Leadership for Production & Cellar Efficiency:Eliminates the "seven wastes" of Lean production (such as overprocessing, wait times during crush, and excessive motion) to streamline grape-to-bottle timelines.
• Identifies improvement opportunities across Safety, People, Quality, Environment, Delivery and Cost; and develops cost justifications for CI initiatives.
• Partners and mentors Cellar Managers and Supervisors with efficiency, training and brainstorming for process improvements.
• Partners with Winemaking to develop innovative processes and provide support to deliver the most effective and efficient way to make high-quality wines.
• Partners with Facilities Maintenance Manager to resolve infrastructure and equipment problems with corrective, sustainable solutions. To include active collaboration on ammonia systems and other high-risk equipment as well as providing support on equipment reliability.
• Supports new product development initiatives as applicable.
• Leads Cellar CAPEX efforts and prepares technical reports and presentations as needed.
• Remains current on industry technology and trends, including trade show attendance where applicable and upon approval.
• Partners with Winemaking to standardize cellar quality practices, drastically lowering product rejection rates, rework and spoilage.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• BS degree in science or technical related fields. i.e. such as Biology, Chemistry, Engineering, Industrial Technologies, or equivalent required.
• 3-5 years of hands-on production experience with increasing responsibility, plus 5+ years of production management experience (exempt Manager or above) and a minimum of 5 years of engineering, capex and safety experience. Food & beverage or wine and spirits industry experience preferred with 5+ years hands on knowledge and experience with large winery operations.
• Cellar leadership experience preferred, including knowledge of cellar operations, wine production, or a related food manufacturing area.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and budget/P&L management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and group facilitation skills; proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and in producing accurate performance reports and presentations. Bilingual (Spanish) a plus.
• Lean or Continuous Improvement formal training and experience required (Practitioner, Green or Black Belt a plus), with demonstrated skill identifying process and system problems.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Lift up to 55 lbs.
• Occasional overhead reach.
• Occasional stoop, squat position.
• Frequently walking.
• Elevated work.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Moving machinery.
• Occasional exposure to dust, fumes, smoke or other substances.
• Some travel is required.

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT REQUIRED:

• Side shield safety glasses, safety vest, head/ear protection and proper footwear when in production facility

WHAT WE OFFER:

At Bronco Wine Company, we understand that our success is driven by our talented, committed workforce. We value the contributions each employee makes to our achievements, and our aim is to offer a comprehensive benefits program that is competitive, helping us attract and retain top talent. Our Benefits are crafted to support the needs of our employees and their families, ensuring the package is simple to understand, easy to access, and affordable for all.

• Medical
• Vision
• Life and AD&D
• Voluntary life and AD&D
• Group Short-Term Disability
• Group Long-Term Disability
• Voluntary Critical Illness
• Voluntary Accident & Injury
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• 401K
• Paid time off

EEO STATEMENT:

Bronco Wine Company is dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and takes pride in being an equal opportunity employer. All qualified candidates will be considered for employment without discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability status, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic safeguarded by law.

We are committed to cultivating an environment where every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered to reach their full potential.

Reasonable Accommodations:

We will provide reasonable accommodation to assist individuals with disabilities in performing essential job functions. If you wish to apply for a position at Bronco Wine Company and require special assistance during the application process, or if you believe you do not meet the necessary qualifications for a posted position due to a protected disability and would like to discuss potential accommodations, please reach out to our Human Resources at [e-mail] for further assistance or guidance.

Recruitment Agencies:

Bronco Wine Company does not accept unsolicited agency resumes. Bronco Wine Company is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.